2013 Vw Golf 7 TDI BlueMotion unveiled at Geneva Auto Show

Volkswagen is unveiling the production version of the Golf BlueMotion at the 2013 Geneva Auto Show. The Golf BlueMotion is displayed alongside another of VW’s newest creations, the new Volkswagen Golf GTI. The five-seater Golf BlueMotion bears all the traditional attributes of the Golf: safety, practicality and comfort as well as combined fuel consumption of 88.3 mpg on the combined cycle and carbon dioxide emissions of just 85 g/km.

This represents a 15-percent improvement over the previous-generation Golf BlueMotion, which has a carbon dioxide emissions figure of 99 g/km.

The original Golf BlueMotion, unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 2007, returned at that time a class-leading 62.8 mpg with emissions of 119 g/km.

The new Golf BlueMotion can theoretically travel up to 970 miles on a single tank, thanks to its 50-litre fuel capacity and 88.3 mpg fuel consumption. Since an average drive drives around 15,000 km (approx. 9,300 miles) annually, the new Golf BlueMotion only needs to be refueled 10 times a year.

The new Golf BlueMotion’s very low consumption is thanks to its innovative lightweight design that made it 26 kg lighter in the running gear and 37 kg lighter in the body as well as engine-related modifications.

A number of other measures were also implemented, including super low rolling resistance tyres with higher air pressure, longer gear ratios (five-speed manual gearbox), the Stop/Start and battery regeneration systems and specific aerodynamic modifications.

The frontal area of the new Golf was reduced by 0.03 square meter and aerodynamic drag (Cd x A) by nearly 10%.

The aerodynamics of the BlueMotion was further improved by a lowered ride height (15 mm), a roof spoiler, lateral air guide elements on the rear window, a masked front grille. It is likewise enhanced by partially closed air inlet screens, optimized cooling system airflow, special under-floor panels, optimized brake cooling channels and a C-pillar spoiler.

All of these measures allowed the new Golf BlueMotion to achieve a Cd value of 0.27, making it one of the most aerodynamic in its class. Powering the new Golf BlueMotion concept is a four-cylinder 16-valve 1.6-litre 110 PS TDI derived from the EA288 engine series. The engine provides up to 250 Nm of torque from just 1,500 rpm up to 2,750 rpm.

Press Release

Vw Golf 7 TDI BlueMotion

With the arrival of the new Golf TDI BlueMotion, Volkswagen is launching one of the most fuel-efficient cars of our time. This Golf is powered by a new direct-injection turbodiesel (TDI) with 81 kW / 110 PS. The four-cylinder engine consumes only 3.2 l/100 km; this value represents a 15 per cent improvement in fuel economy compared to the already extraordinarily fuel-efficient previous model. The CO2 emissions of the Volkswagen Golf TDI BlueMotion stand at 85 g/km, one of the best values worldwide for automobiles with combustion engines. Despite all the efficiency: the VW Golf TDI BlueMotion, which has a top speed of 200 km/h, is a true five-seat multi-talent that offers safe, comfortable and agile transportation to its passengers in their professional and private lives. Refuelling becomes a minor matter: given its 50-litre fuel tank and 3.2 l/100 km fuel consumption, the Golf TDI BlueMotion has a theoretical driving range of more than 1,500 kilometres.

Aerodynamic perfection

Owing to numerous aerodynamic modifications, the Volkswagen Golf TDI BlueMotion achieves an excellent Cd value of 0.27. The car's excellent aerodynamics makes a decisive contribution to its low fuel consumption. The aerodynamics of the TDI BlueMotion were perfected, among other things, by a lowered chassis (by 15 mm), a special roof spoiler, a radiator grille that is almost closed to the outside (with integrated BlueMotion lettering), partially closed air inlet screens in the bumper, optimised cooling airflow and special underfloor panels.

Innovative technology alliance

In terms of technology, details like overcoming the upward weight spiral through innovative lightweight construction (a kerb weight reduced by 49 kg), those features that are standard for all new Golf models, namely the Stop/Start system and battery regeneration mode, inner-engine modifications with the TDI, a wider spaced 6-speed manual gearbox as well as tyres with extremely low rolling resistance resulted in the pioneering fuel-efficiency of the Golf TDI BlueMotion.

Continuous progress

The first generation of the Golf BlueMotion was launched in 2007. Back then, the Volkswagen set a new benchmark for sustainability with a fuel consumption value of 4.5 l/100 km (119 g/km CO2). The second generation of the Golf BlueMotion, whose consumption had been lowered to 3.8 l/100 km (99 g/km CO2), made its debut in autumn 2009. The fact that the fuel consumption of the third Golf BlueMotion could be reduced by another 0.6 litres, or 15 per cent, and CO2 emissions by 14 grams per km is a clear illustration of continuous technical progress.

Efficient dynamics

As shown above, the low fuel consumption and best efficiency class of "A+" are accompanied by a driving performance that will probably be a surprise to many drivers. Take the classic overtaking situation: in 4th gear, the Volkswagen Golf TDI BlueMotion accelerates in just 9.0 seconds from 80 to 120 km/h. Or the 0-100 km/h sprint: this takes 10.5 seconds and proves itself as anything but slow. Maximum speed: 200 km/h indicate that the VW Golf TDI BlueMotion is fitted with a superb engine and that efficiency has not been bought at the expense of dynamics and comfort.

New TDI engine

The 1,598 cm3 turbo direct injection engine (TDI) is a four-valve four-cylinder engine of the new EA 288 range. It produces a powerful 81 kW / 110 PS in the engine speed range from 3,200 to 4,000 rpm. The TDI equipped with common rail injection develops a maximum torque of 250 Nm starting at 1,500 rpm. Up to 3,000 rpm, this high value is always available. As a result, the Golf TDI BlueMotion can be driven more frequently than on average with very low torques and thus in a very fuel-efficient operating range.

Construction details such as reduced internal friction (among other things, through piston rings with low pre-tension and the use of low-friction bearings on the camshaft); the innovative thermal management system with shortened warm-up phase (e.g. separate cooling circulation loops for the cylinder head and the cylinder crankcase as well as a deactivatable water pump); exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), cylinder pressure sensor, two-stage oil pump and the water-cooled intercooler located in the intake lead to a further reduction of fuel consumption and emissions compared to the displaced engine. In terms of emissions control, Volkswagen also employs a NOx storage catalytic converter and a diesel particulate filter close to the engine.

Modified 6-speed gearbox

The engine's power is transmitted to the wheels via a 6-speed gearbox. Volkswagen engineers tuned the gearbox especially for use in the new VW Golf TDI BlueMotion. Among other modifications, they integrated a 6th gear with a longer ratio for lowering the torque; moreover, the gearbox works with a new fuel-efficient oil featuring a low viscosity, which heightens its effectiveness.

Two equipment versions

Until now, the most fuel-efficient Golf was only offered in a single specification level. This has changed; although the new generation also features special BlueMotion details, it is always available in the two well-known equipment levels of Trendline and Comfortline. The new Golf TDI BlueMotion leaves the Wolfsburg plant exclusively with 15-inch and 16-inch alloy wheels to optimise weight, aerodynamics and rolling resistance. "Clearwater Blue metallic" as an exclusive colour is available as an option.

Volkswagen Golf TDI BlueMotion Trendline

Specific features of the Golf TDI BlueMotion Trendline include 15-inch "Lyon" alloy wheels, a larger rear spoiler (in body colour) as well as a redesigned and nearly closed radiator grille; the latter consists of a smooth black clasp with integrated BlueMotion lettering and a chrome strip underneath that reaches right into the headlights. Other features that have been specially adapted for the Golf BlueMotion are: black air intakes in the bumper, the optimised cooling airflow, elaborate underfloor panels, sports chassis (body lowered by 15 mm) and special tyres with super-low rolling resistance.

The Comfortline level is additionally equipped with the ParkPilot system front and rear, a high-quality instrument cluster, the "Plus" multifunction display, drawers under the front seats, the new Composition Touch radio system including SD card interface and Driver Alert system.

A whole range of innovative assistance and convenience systems is at work aboard the new VW Golf TDI BlueMotion as standard or optional equipment. The standard systems include the Multi Collision Braking system and the advanced electronic XDS+ transverse differential lock. The Pre-Crash preventive occupant protection system, Driver Alert (standard in the Golf TDI BlueMotion Comfortline), Lane Assist, road sign recognition, the latest generation of the Park Assist as well as the automated Light Assist and Dynamic Light Assist light functions. In addition, there's a new generation of infotainment and entertainment systems.